How do I start free ranging?

[kierstog]

Hey y'all! Right now my chickens are happily in their coop and run, but I would like to give them some time free ranging as well. How do I start free ranging? Will they stay near the run?

 

[Chickassan]

Let them out a few hours before dark so they don't have much time to wander, the first few days they will stay close and go farther as they get used to the freedom.

 

[Pstock44]

They will venture out slowly at first but they are curious and will start to explore. Mine went out the run door easily the first time because they wanted the grass since they ate all they could reach through the fence. I supervise them all the time since I have a fairly small yard for them and don't want them in my garden or flower beds. I use a long stick to tap the ground in front of them when they get to far out and they always head back towards the run. I also have a bag of mealworms and if I shake it they come running. They get a small treat and I do it again if I need to. Then when its time to go home I shake the bag by the run door and they come running, toss a few mealworms into the run and they charge in to get them. They are definitely treat motivated.

 

[centrarchid]

I like to stay out with them that first few hours till they go to the roost. It is a good time to do yard work as birds can get used to you in a situation that does not involve feed and is outside confinement. You can also make certain they are in fact going into coop / run and make adjustments if they do not.

 

[Pstock44]

That's pretty much what I've been doing all summer. When the garden is done and the flowers are gone I'll probably let them roam a little more. Not 100% unsupervised because we do have neighbors a couple hundred yards away. I like seeing them wander, scratching and doing all the other chickens things they do. I love chicken TV!

 

[KathT]

Hi, I'm jumping in here, as I have a similar concern. We are new to hens and had wanted to let them free range. However, there is a 1 metre/ 3 foot fence at the back of the garden which leads to the wood. The hen breeder we got the ladies from said it was a cert that they would head for the trees, but he didn't like wing clipping. What does anyone think? Would clipping help or would they leap the fence anyway? We have a Maran and a Sussex, if that helps. Thanks!

 

[twilightgecko]

they will be shy and they roam gently at first.. so i wouldn't really worry too much.. they know where the coop is and keep close to it at first..

 

[Irishsilk]

Before letting mine free range I make sure that they know that when I call them they will get treats...I use oats. I call them several times a day and treat. I only let them out freeranging if I know they will all come immediately when I call them.
Yes..they fly over their fence, but it's not such a problem as they will always come running when I call them back in.
My new flock of 50 point of lay girls were ready to let out to free range after two weeks. Now they all come running if they hear me come thru the gate. Love my girls